Turkey to send troops to reluctant Iraq

But Iraq's Governing Council said it opposes any deployment of Turkish soldiers.

The statement by the US-appointed council in Baghdad reflected the history of tensions between the neighbouring nations and many Iraqis' fears that Turkey aims to grab territory, suppress Kurds or dominate Iraq.

Tap Here to Add The Daily Star As A Trusted Source

Despite Iraqi concerns, the United States has been pressing hard for a Turkish deployment.

Turkish lawmakers voted 358-183 in a closed-door session in fervour of dispatching troops.

The White House welcomed the vote, saying it will "provide even broader international participation in our efforts in Iraq."

But Turkey would come to Iraq with a lot of historical baggage.

Iraq's 15-member Governing Council met Tuesday to debate the prospect of a Turkish deployment "and after long deliberations we reached consensus on issuing a statement opposing the arrival Turkish troops," said council member Mahmoud Othman, a Kurd.

But the council delayed issuing the statement -- and Othman believed it was because of pressure from the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority.